A local veterans group is encouraging other local residents to get involved in an inaugural event this weekend to benefit the state Special Olympics Program.
One of the organizers of a Kansas Law Enforcement Torch Run Poker Run, planned for this Saturday, said the event should be a great way to see part of Barton County and to help a good cause.
This year’s summer games are planned for June 3-5 in Wichita.
This is the 30th anniversary of the law enforcement run, according to information from Kansas Special Olympics.
In 1981, according to the KSO website, the Law Enforcement Torch Run was “launched in Wichita, where Police Chief Richard LaMunyon saw an urgent need to raise funds for, and increase awareness of, Special Olympics. The LETR is now the movement’s largest grass roots fund raiser, raising over $30 million annually.”
Great Bend Police Department Capt. Bob Robinson, who is helping to develop the new poker run event, explained it is being hosted by the American Legion Riders from Post 180 and it will be used to raise money to support the Special Olympics.
The event is being developed by the American Legion Riders and by representatives from county law enforcement agencies, Robinson noted.
The run will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday at the American Legion Post, 1011 Kansas. It will follow a patch from Great Bend to Albert, Galatia, Odin and Hoisington, returning to Great Bend by 4 p.m. where the event will conclude.
And it isn’t just for motorcycles, either, Robinson added. He said it’s open to everyone who just wants to get out and participants can use any type of vehicle.
Participants will be signed up Saturday morning at the American Legion Post, he added.